If you’re a parent already, you know firsthand how challenging it can be to get everyone ready and out the door on time. Between feedings, nappy changes, and outfit changes, it can feel like a never-ending cycle of chaos. Add in three babies, and that chaos can become overwhelming. But fear not, because with a few simple tricks and some careful planning, you can streamline your routine and get your triplets out the door with ease.
Whether you’re a seasoned parent of multiples or just starting out on your journey, read on to discover how to triple the fun and tackle the challenge of getting out the door with triplets.
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Create a check list
Start by creating a “getting ready to leave” checklist that includes all the tasks you need to complete before leaving the house. Include everything!
The chances are you may be sleep deprived, so even basic things like remembering to lock the door can be overlooked. This might include putting on shoes (yours included!!!), grabbing nappy bags, and checking you have your phone, wallet and keys.
Post this checklist in a visible location, such as near the door, so you (and others) can refer to it quickly and easily. Remember that as your babies grow, this list may need updating to reflect their new needs, or to remove things that are no longer required.
Have a backup bag in the boot
Ensure that you have a spare bag in the car, ready for any emergency. Keep a change of clothes for you all (adults included!) in the car, as well as a jumper each, nappies, wipes, a spare dummy or two and any other items you may need.
Remember, like your check list above, this bag will need to be updated as they move up a size in clothes, or the seasons change etc.
Get organised the night before
One of the best ways to make your morning routine with triplets more manageable is to get organised the night before. This means laying out clothes, packing nappy bags and backpacks, and preparing breakfast and snacks. By doing these tasks ahead of time, you’ll be able to focus more on your kids in the morning and avoid feeling rushed.
This might include setting out clothes for each child, packing nappy bags with extra nappies, wipes, and snacks, and preparing breakfast items such as cereal, fruit, and yogurt. This might mean staying up a little later than usual, but it will be worth it when you see how much smoother your mornings become. Alternatively, if you can, delegate this task for someone else to do!
Another helpful tip is to keep everything you need in one central location. This might be a designated area of your kitchen or a section of your hallway. By keeping everything in one spot, you’ll be less likely to forget something important, and you’ll be able to grab what you need quickly.
Finally, make sure that you have all of your own belongings organised and ready to go as well. This includes your own clothes, bag, and any other personal items you’ll need for the day.
By being organised and prepared, you can make getting out the door with triplets much smoother and less stressful.
Managing morning chaos when getting out the door with triplets
Even with a routine and good organization, mornings with triplets can still feel chaotic at times. To manage the chaos, there are a few strategies you can try.
First, enlist the help of your partner or other family members if possible. Having an extra set of hands can make a huge difference when it comes to getting everyone ready and out the door on time.
Second, utilise alllllll the baby gear and gadgets to make the process easier. This might include the use of a pram inside the house, baby carriers, or even just a nappy caddy that you can easily carry from room to room.
Third, try to make the process fun and engaging for your babies. Sing songs, play games, and use silly voices to keep everyone entertained and happy. This will not only make the morning routine more enjoyable for your babies, but it can also help to reduce your own stress levels.
The importance of teamwork and delegation
When it comes to managing the daily tasks of caring for triplets, teamwork and delegation are essential. This means dividing up tasks between you and your partner, or enlisting the help of family members, neighbours, friends or a nanny.
For example, one person might handle feeding and nappy changes, while another takes care of getting everyone dressed and ready to go. Or you might have a neighbour or a family member come over in the morning to help out with the morning routine.
Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask people to help. You may find yourself pleasantly surprised, and they have been waiting for you to ask them to help out.
The key is to find a system that works for you and your family AND allows everyone to contribute in a meaningful way. By working together and delegating tasks, you can make the process of getting out the door with triplets much more manageable and less overwhelming.
Waking up early and getting yourself ready first
When you have triplets, it’s essential to give yourself enough time in the morning to get ready without feeling rushed. As a parent, self care is integral part of parenting that is often overlooked.
This may (unfortunately!) mean waking up earlier than your children and focusing on getting yourself dressed and ready first. While sleep is a premium commodity for parents when they have triplets, getting ready yourself first means you’ll be able to start your day feeling calm and collected, which will help set the tone for the rest of the morning.
Getting out the door with triplets: getting the kids up and dressed
Getting triplets dressed in the morning can be time consuming. But there are a few strategies you can use to make it easier. One technique is to lay out their clothes the night before, so you’re not scrambling to find clean outfits in the morning. Another is to dress them in layers, so you can easily add or remove clothing depending on the weather.
If you have an early appointment, or need to be somewhere early, simply dress them in their day clothes the night before. As long as there are no thick uncomfortable fabrics, zips of buttons then this is totally acceptable in our eyes!!
Regardless of the option you choose, try to do these tasks as efficiently as possible, but don’t rush through them. Remember that your kids can sense when you’re stressed, so it’s important to stay calm and patient.
Dealing with tantrums and meltdowns
Let’s face it, even the most well-behaved children can have tantrums and meltdowns from time to time. When you’re dealing with triplets, the likelihood of a meltdown increases exponentially. So make sure you add in a time buffer, just in case!!
If you are in a rush getting out the door and someone starts having a meltdown, the simplest technique is to distract your child from whatever is causing the tantrum or meltdown. This might mean offering a toy or snack, or engaging in a silly game or song. Sometimes, simply changing the subject can be enough to diffuse a tense situation.
Above all, it’s important to stay calm and patient when dealing with tantrums and meltdowns. Remember that your children are still learning how to regulate their emotions, and they need your guidance and support.
Staying calm and positive
Finally, it’s important to stay calm and positive when you are getting out the door with triplets. This can be easier said than done, especially on days when you’re feeling particularly overwhelmed or stressed out. But remember that your babies will pick up on your energy and emotions. So staying calm and positive can help keep everyone happy and relaxed. If you are stressed, they will pick up on that, and this may end with ALL of you being in tears!
If you’re feeling particularly stressed out, take a few deep breaths and try to focus on the positive aspects of your situation. Remember that having triplets is a unique and special experience, and that you’re doing an amazing job as a parent.
Getting out the door with triplets
Getting out the door with triplets can be a challenging, there is no denying it. Hopefully these tips and strategies will help you streamline your routine. Managing your triplets when out and about is a whole other blog post though!
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